8 Uses for Salt in Your Natural Beauty Care

Salt is an incredibly important part of life on earth. It has literally, tens of thousands of uses. It's a potent cleanser, a preservative, and who doesn't love the way salt enhances the flavor of food? Our bodies also rely on salt for  a number of functions including regulating water content and sugar balance, and normalizing our heartbeat. But did you know you can also use salt on your body in your beauty care regimen? Check out these 8 uses for salt on your body.

1. Salt bath

Probably the most well known use for salt is the soothing Epsom bath. While not technically table salt (sodium chloride), Epsom (magnesium sulfate) is in the broad salt category. You can also soak in pure salt, similar to taking a swim in the ocean. Salt baths reduce inflammation in the body and sooths achy muscles and joints. Use 1 cup per full tub. Scent with essential oils or dried herbs as you like.

2. Salt scrub

A natural exfoliant, salt can smooth away dry skin and leave you feeling silky and smooth. Make a salt scrub by mixing 1/4 cup of coarse salt to ½ to ¾ cup oil such as almond, sesame or jojoba. Add 20 drops of your favorite essential oils to scent. The mixture should be on the oily side. Scoop out generous handfuls and rub on the bottom of your feet. It's especially nice on the legs just before you shave (rinse it off before you shave though).

3. Face mask

Especially helpful for oily or acne prone skin, a simple salt mask can reduce inflammation, balance oil and speed healing from breakouts. Dissolve 1 part salt to 3 parts warm water. Mix with 3 tablespoons of pure raw honey. Gently apply to the face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

4. Deodorant

Salt crystal deodorants are commercially available in most natural food stores. Salt kills bacteria—bacteria cause odor. It makes sense. If you're a homemade deodorant kind of gal or guy (which is typically baking soda based), add a teaspoon of salt to the mix to help reduce the odor. Warning, ladies:  it will sting a little on just shaved pits. 

5. Toothpaste

Salt's antibacterial properties make it a most excellent and inexpensive homemade toothpaste. Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part salt. You can use the recipe like this as a powder, or you can add a bit of glycerin to make it pasty. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like mint, cloves or grapefruit. Simple, cheap, effective!

6. Mouthwash

Gargling with salt water is great at getting rid of sore throats, and it's also pretty much the best mouthwash out there. Not only do you avoid the nasty chemicals in commercial mouthwash, but you also avoid the BPA plastic bottles that put your health at risk as well as require recycling. Salt water is way cheaper than a mouthwash product and quite effective at killing bacteria. Add a drop or two of  peppermint or spearmint essential oil if you want that minty fresh taste.

7. Nasal cleansing

One of the ayurvedic kriyas, nasal cleansing improves breathing and can reduce allergies or sinus infections. Using a specially designed neti pot, you add a small amount of sea salt (do not use a mineral rock salt as it will burn) to warm water and pour into the nostril while tilting the head so the water gets into the nasal cavity. Tipping the head slightly down and towards the other side, the water should fill up your sinus and then come down the other side. This can take some practice, of course. But once you get the hang of it, neti pots can be a godsend when you're having trouble breathing.

8. Wound care

Salt's antimicrobial properties made it one of the first treatments for wounds. It stings, of course, and you do not want to put salt on a wound that is still bleeding. But once the bleeding has stopped, you can rub salt into the wound to clean it and speed healing.

DON'T WASTE FOOD MY NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

NEW YORK (August 21, 2012) – Americans are throwing away 40 percent of food in the U.S., the equivalent of $165 billion in uneaten food each year, according to a new analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council. In a time of drought and skyrocketing food prices, NRDC outlines opportunities to reduce wasted food and money on the farm, in the grocery store and at home.

“As a country, we’re essentially tossing every other piece of food that crosses our path – that’s money and precious resources down the drain,” said Dana Gunders, NRDC project scientist with the food and agriculture program. “With the price of food continuing to grow, and drought jeopardizing farmers nationwide, now is the time to embrace all the tremendous untapped opportunities to get more out of our food system. We can do better.” 

NRDC’s issue brief – Wasted: How America is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm To Fork to Landfill – analyzes the latest case studies and government data on the causes and extent of food losses at every level of the U.S. food supply chain. It also provides examples and recommendations for reducing this waste. Key findings include:

* Americans trash 40 percent of our food supply every year, valued at about $165 billion;
* The average American family of four ends up throwing away an equivalent of up to $2,275 annually in food;
* Food waste is the single largest component of solid waste in U.S. landfills;
* Just a 15 percent reduction in losses in the U.S. food supply would save enough food to feed 25 million Americans annually;
* There has been a 50 percent jump in U.S. food waste since the 1970s.

The causes of losses in our food system are complex, but there are notable problem areas. At the retail level, grocery stores and other sellers are losing as much as $15 billion annually in unsold fruits and vegetables alone, with about half of the nationwide supply going uneaten. In fact, fresh produce is lost more than any other food product — including seafood, meat, grains and dairy — at nearly every stage in the supply chain. Some of this is avoidable. For instance, retailers can stop the practice of unnecessary abundance in their produce displays, which inherently leads to food spoilage.

But consumers are also a major contributor to the problem, with the majority of food losses occurring in restaurants and household kitchens. A significant reason for this is large portions, as well as uneaten leftovers. Today, portion sizes are two to eight times larger than the government’s standard serving sizes.

Wasted food also translates into wasted natural resources, because of the energy, water and farmland necessary to grow, transport, and store food. About half of all land in the U.S. goes to agriculture; some 25 percent of all the freshwater consumed in this country, along with 4 percent of the oil, goes into producing food that is never eaten. Moreover, uneaten food accounts for 23 percent of all methane emissions in the U.S. - a potent climate change pollutant.

Increasing the efficiency of our food system is a triple-bottom-line solution that requires collaborative efforts by businesses, governments and consumers. Specifically:

* The U.S. government should conduct a comprehensive study of losses in our food system and set national goals for waste reduction. This may require steps such as clarifying date labels on food, encouraging food recovery, and improving public awareness about ways to waste less. State and local governments can also lead by setting similar targets.
* Businesses should seize opportunities to streamline their own operations, reduce food losses and save money. The Stop and Shop grocery chain is already doing this successfully, saving an estimated $100 million annually after an analysis of freshness, loss, and customer satisfaction in their perishables department. Others should follow suit.
* Consumers can waste less food by shopping wisely, knowing when food goes bad, buying produce that is perfectly edible even if it’s less cosmetically attractive, cooking only the amount of food they need, and eating their leftovers.

Europe is leading the way in reducing food waste. In January 2012, the European Parliament adopted a resolution to reduce food waste 50 percent by 2020, and designated 2014 as the “European year against food waste.” In the U.K., an extensive five-year public awareness campaign called “Love Food Hate Waste” has contributed to an 18 percent reduction in avoidable food waste. And 53 of the leading U.K. food retailers and brands have adopted waste reduction resolutions.

“No matter how sustainable our food is farmed, if it’s not being eaten, it is not a good use of resources,” said Gunders. “Fortunately, there are ways to tackle the food waste problem, and everyone can play a role.”

MY RESOLUTION IS TAKEN AND ALSO IMPLEMENTED

 AS I STARTED SAVING FOOD AND SHARING IT TO THE

PEOPLE WHO ARE HUNGRY... WHAT ABOUT YOU ARE

YOU ALSO WILLING TO DO THE SAME..

PLEASE SEND YOUR IDEAS AND COMMENTS AS TO

HOW TO DO THIS..AND ANY METHODS TO SAVE. 

THANK YOU.

Diet Tips of Slim Women

Wondering how slim women maintain their weight? Shape experts share diet tips related to women who maintain their healthy eating habits and those who don't the secret to weight loss is to make small changes each and every day and you will slowly lose those kilograms.

* The habit of eating healthily on a daily basis. Eat loads of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the day. This is certainly going to help with your cravings for junk food and just after a few days you will be feeling much healthier and fitter.

* Start and finish your eating for the day early. Eat breakfast as early as possible,and finish your day off with an early dinner and a no-eat-after-8pm (for example) policy. Your body is most active during the daytime, which means that it will burn more calories then than at night.

* Avoid late night snacks as they can prevent you from losing weight. As said earlier,your body is less active at night, meaning that you have a greater chance of turning that slice of pizza into pure fat than burning it as a source of energy.

* Eat your vegetables.Vegetables, especially raw ones, burn more calories than those packed in the vegetables themselves. Also, the fiber in vegetables gives a sense of fullness.

* To Be honest with yourself. If you know you have a weakness for chocolate chip cookies,buying a two-pound bag to keep in the house may give you more temptation than you can handle; if you know you do not have a lot of energy in the morning, it can be self-defeating to plan on jogging every morning before work.

You Want to Lose Weight Just eat Bananas

You Want to Lose Weight Just eat Bananas 

One of the popular diet myths for weight loss that is doing the rounds is banana is a wrong food for people aiming to lose weight.

* Bananas are frowned upon because it has approximately 108 calories and has about 17.5 grams of carbohydrates. Most people feel that abundance of carbohydrates can make a person gain weight. Nevertheless, you need carbohydrates to produce energy for optimal body function.

* This fruit is nutritionally dense with vitamins and minerals. It is low in fat and high in fiber, which is essential to help you feel full for a longer period.

* Apart from this, banana has low glycemic index food of 51, which will certainly help in weight loss. Foods having low GI delay the release of carbohydrates into the blood stream.

* This prevents spike in blood sugar level and prevents overeating. Experts opine that banana, when eaten in moderation, is a perfect snack for people looking to lose weight.

* Include this tropical fruit as part of a meal or healthy snack. Banana is rich in potassium, which can help in regulating blood pressure.

* A low-calorie diet often overlooks the need of potassium, the absence of which can lead to severe exhaustion, diarrhea, cardiovascular diseases and impaired growth of muscles and cellular function.

* If you are sticking to a 1200-calorie diet, then, eating a medium sized banana accounts for 9 percent of total daily intake. This means, bananas are certainly safe for people who want to lose weight.

* Banana lovers, go ahead and enjoy this simple yet powerful fruit, which is in no way a hurdle for your weight loss goals.

Do you include banana as part of your daily diet? Has it been effective in weight loss?

The Facts on Fats

The Facts on Fats

By Louis Ignarro, Ph.D. Nobel† Laureate in Medicine

Though you may have been taught the opposite, fat can actually be good for you. In fact, there are healthy fats and unhealthy fats - and knowing the difference is essential to your health. Below is an easy-to-use guide that will help you understand the differences between fats. 

UNSATURATED FATS (Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated) 

• Monounsaturated Fats
  
  Monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature but firm up when cooled in the refrigerator. They are generally considered healthier fats and are found mainly in plant sources such as nuts and avocados, as well as olive, peanut and canola oils. Like all fats, monosaturated fats are high in calories. If you increase the amount of monosaturated fats in your diet, be mindful of your overall intake in order to manage your weight.
  
• Polyunsaturated Fats
  
  Polyunsaturated fats can be either liquid or soft at room temperature, and are found in plant oils such as safflower, sunflower, corn, flaxseed and canola oils, as well as in seafood. Polyunsaturated fats include the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9. In addition to providing energy, EFAs are part of the structure of every cell in our bodies. We need EFAs to achieve & maintain a healthy heart; they are also essential for the healthy function of the brain, eyes, skin, joints, hair and the immune system. To supplement your intake of health-promoting Omega-3, try Herbalife's Herbalifeline and Tri-Shield. Keep in mind that polyunsaturated fats are also high in calories. If you increase the amount of polyunsaturated fats in your diet, be mindful of your overall intake in order to manage your weight.

SATURATED FATS 

Saturated fat is solid at room temperature and is most often found in animal food products including milk, eggs, meat and butter. Some plant products like palm, coconut and palm kernel oil are also saturated. Saturated fats are not inherently unhealthy, but an excess of these fats in the diet raises cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. 

TRANS FATS 

Trans fats are chemically engineered, with a metal catalyst like nickel, at very high temperatures. Although some may look liquid, they maintain their structure for long periods of time (which is why fast food chains can fry food in the same oil all day long). The FDA suggests regulating your trans fat intake and to replace them with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats whenever possible. New label laws require companies to list amounts of trans fats on their product labels. 

Heart - Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular Health

By Louis Ignarro, Ph.D., Nobel Laureate in Medicine, Herbalife Scientific Advisory Board

Learn about the importance of a healthy cardiovascular system from Dr. Lou Ignarro. 

Q: I’ve been hearing a lot about cardiovascular health. Why is it so important?

A: Your cardiovascular system is literally at the heart of your overall health. Maintaining it is crucial for a variety of reasons. It gives you energy and the ability to keep up with the daily demands of life.

A healthy cardiovascular system is also essential for mental clarity and protecting you against stress. Additionally, cardiovascular health contributes to overall vitality. 

Q: What kinds of things can I do to improve my cardiovascular health?

A: There are several things you can–and should–incorporate into your life to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Exercise is crucial. Brisk walks, sit-ups, light weight training, swimming and biking are all excellent, lowimpact and efficient exercises for any fitness level. The important thing is to do something every day.

Another important factor is proper eating–and that means getting the right amount of essential vitamins and other nutrients, as well as antioxidants. 

Q: How does Herbalife’s Core Complex help improve heart health?

A: Herbalifeline targets four key indicators of heart health: cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine and oxidative stress.* Taking Herbalifeline is a great way to give your cardiovascular system the nutrition it needs every day.

Whatever you do to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, the important thing to remember is to make it a priority. Exercise regularly, eat right and keep stress to a minimum. Your health depends on it.

Packaged in convenient packettes, Core Complex features:

• Improved Herbalifeline with 50% more fish oil per softgel
• Tri-Shield with Neptune Krill Oil (NKO), a cutting-edge ingredient with three groups of compounds that work together to protect the heart
• Plant sterols to reduce LDL and total cholesterol*